Church and Peace underlines the World Council of Churches Central Committee’s statements on Just Peace, escalating conflicts in Middle East and Iran, the conflict in Ukraine and on Guarding Against Atrocity Crimes
Johannesburg/Wethen, 26 June 2025 – The European Ecumenical Peace Network Church and Peace was represented at the meeting of the Central Committee of the World Council of Churches 18 – 24 June 2025 in Johannesburg, South Africa by Anja Vollendorf, deputy dean and board member of Church and Peace.
This year’s Central Committee meeting was particularly influenced by global political events and the escalation of several conflicts. The Central Committee issued a statement titled: “Threats to Peace and People’s Security: A Kairos Moment for Just Peace revised“.
The statement addresses the escalating conflicts worldwide and new challenges to the Christian witness for peace, making it clear that war is against God’s will. Therefore, it calls for an immediate global ceasefire, “…for active peacebuilding that bridges divides and models unity, and for the wider adoption of non-violent resistance to injustice, oppression, and militarism”. The doctrine of nuclear deterrence is rejected as irrational and deeply immoral. Instead, states that have not yet signed the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons are called upon to do so.
With regard to Ukraine, the declaration condemns the missile attacks of April this year in Kryvyi Rih, Sumy, and Kyiv and the ongoing invasion by the Russian government, laments the suffering of the Ukrainian and Russian people, and urgently calls for dialogue and negotiations. The declaration refers to further measures for peace in the Middle East and in Iran, Syria, Sudan and South Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, the Korean Peninsula, and Colombia.
“The World Council of Churches strongly condemns all acts of military aggression, violations of international law and the targeting of civilians and civilian infrastructure” the statement on the attacks by the USA and Israel on Iran articulates. “We condemn the use of misleading and irresponsible theologies to justify war and to encourage religious nationalism and extremism.“ A global day of prayer for peace on Sunday 29 June is recommended.
In view of the dramatic developments following the Hamas attack on Israel, the catastrophic situation in Gaza was an important topic. In view of the dramatic developments following the Hamas attack on Israel, the catastrophic situation in Gaza was an important topic. On the occasion of the 40th anniversary of the Kairos Document by South African theologians, the “Statement on Palestine and Israel” calls for several steps to end the escalating violence: Naming the reality of Apartheid, implementing sanctions and accountability, affirming Palestinian rights, and supporting the resilience of Palestinian Christians.
„We recognize a clear distinction between the Jewish people, our siblings in faith, and the acts of the Government of Israel, and we reaffirm that the WCC stands firm against any kind of racism, including antisemitism, anti-Arab racism, and islamophobia.“ However: „The Government of Israel’s military campaign in Gaza has entailed grave breaches of the Fourth Geneva Convention which may constitute genocide and/or other crimes under the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (ICC).“ The WCC Central Committee advocates consequences for these violations, including “sanctions, divestment, and arms embargoes”.
The intense discussion on the topic of genocide and crimes against humanity led to a “Statement on Guarding Against Atrocity Crimes”. Since the Central Committee met on the African continent, particular attention was paid to the first genocide of the 20th century, against the Herero and Naama (1904-1908) by the German Empire in present-day Namibia.
The suffering of the Congolese population under the Belgian regent Leopold II, the transatlantic slave trade, the genocidal effects on Latin America after the arrival of Christopher Columbus, and other atrocities in other contexts were also mentioned.
The Ecumenical Decade for Climate Justice Action (2025-2034) was inaugurated with a solemn ceremony. Climate justice is a challenge that can no longer be postponed, several speakers emphasized. This was made clear in moving examples under the heading of “ecological metanoia.”
Dr. Semisi Turagavou, Methodist Church in Fiji and Routuma, strongly criticized the fact that the blue economy, through deep-sea mining, ignores human rights, damages people’s identities, and destroys their livelihoods. “We need other models of economic activity,” said Dr. Turagavou.
“As Church and Peace we are committed to a non-violent lifestyle regarding every aspect of life. We insist on scandalizing the role of militaries in the climate crisis, be it the short- and long-term environmental damages of wars or the role of arms production and military manoeuvres.”, states chair of Church and Peace, Antje Heider-Rottwilm. As recently as last December, Church and Peace organised a conference on the close connection between climate justice and peace.
Delegate Anja Vollendorf concludes: “For me the gift and the challenge of the ecumenical discussions, encounters, visits, prayers were to get deep into the suffering, hopes and spirituality of fellow Christians from all over the world. That means to be open to expand our perception and insights, so that we act in solidarity.”
Press Contact:
Antje Heider-Rottwilm, Chair of Church and Peace, +49 172 5162 799
